Model stars on Friday nights

The Friday night lights that Kim Smith left to pursue a modeling career, have drawn the 24-year-old former Odessan back into the football frenzy.

But this time, she’s rooting for the Dillon Panthers instead of the Permian ones — also on Friday nights this fall.

Smith, a 2001 graduate of Permian High, is representing her roots in season two of NBC’s “Friday Night Lights” TV drama, which kicks off Oct. 5.

Her face and figure have been featured in magazines, music videos, ad campaigns and movie screens, but the television appearances will bring Smith into living rooms everywhere.

Kenny Smith, her father, said the whole family is excited about the upcoming season starring the Odessa star.

“She’s been in a couple of movies, but this is a great opportunity — I know she’s excited,” he said.

Kim Smith has modeled in the past for Victoria’s Secret, Guess?, Abercrombie & Fitch, Maxim Magazine and others; and she’s appeared in music videos for Aerosmith, ’N SYNC and Maroon Five.

Residing in Los Angeles, Smith said she’s happy to be back in the Lone Star State to film FNL’s episodes in Austin.

“Flying from L.A. back to Texas to work is incredible,” she said. “It’s like coming home — it’s been a great opportunity.”

Smith said she’s filming four or five episodes for the TV series — her character first appears in the Nov. 9 show.

“I play Lauren Davis — she’s the new girl at the school, and she’s also a cheerleader,” she said. “She’s also the love interest of the quarterback.”

“She’s very sweet, very smart, very wholesome and down to earth … they get along very great,” Smith said.

Representing her hometown in the series, which was based on its culture, has presented a real-life aspect to the show.

But it’s more than just a football story. Smith said it also focusing on the small town vibe, the kids and relationships the characters go through.

“It’s been like deja vú every day — I tell people where I’m from, and they’re all just like, ‘You’re kidding,’ ” she said. “I think people in Odessa should watch it because it’s just like it really is.

“It’s a great city — it’s part of who I am,” she said.

Occasional visits to Odessa allow Smith to spend time with her family, play golf with her dad and get a healthy dose of her grandmother’s fried fish.

As a girl growing up here, Smith said she aspired to be an architect. Silly times of acting out “Saturday Night Live” skits with her father somehow foretold the acting and modeling career that lay ahead.

Smith said she hopes to land more movie roles or TV shows after “Friday Night Lights” — but for now she’s basking in the glow of a story she relates to so well.

“I never expected something like this to happen to me,” she said. “I just love it.”